Maritime Security: An Overview of Current Maritime Laws

Posted: February 8th, 2023

Maritime Security: An Overview of Current Maritime Laws

Introduction
Historical Perspective on Maritime Security
Role of International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
Other Relevant Maritime Laws and Regulations

Maritime security refers to the measures taken to ensure the safety and security of ships and ports, as well as the protection of the marine environment. This is a critical issue as over 90% of the world’s trade by volume is transported by sea and millions of people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. With the increasing threat of piracy, terrorism, and other criminal activities at sea, the importance of preserving maritime security cannot be overemphasized. In this article, we will examine the current maritime laws that function in preserving maritime security.
Historical Perspective on Maritime Security
Maritime security has been a concern since ancient times, but it was only after the 9/11 attacks that the international community woke up to the need for enhanced security measures in the maritime domain. The attacks brought to the forefront the vulnerability of ships and ports, and the potential for the oceans to be used as a means of transporting weapons of mass destruction. This led to the adoption of several international agreements and the development of new security measures aimed at enhancing maritime security.
Role of International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting maritime safety and security. The IMO works to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and to promote a culture of safety at sea. It also plays a key role in the development and implementation of international maritime security regulations.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a treaty that sets out the legal framework for the use and conservation of the oceans and their resources. UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of states in their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UNCLOS also provides for the security of ships and the prevention of piracy and armed robbery at sea.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. The ISPS Code, which was adopted by the IMO in December 2002, requires ships and port facilities to assess and address security risks and to establish security procedures. The ISPS Code also requires ships and port facilities to have a designated person responsible for security, to carry out security assessments, and to have contingency plans in place in the event of a security threat.
Other Relevant Maritime Laws and Regulations
In addition to the UNCLOS and the ISPS Code, there are several other international agreements and regulations that are relevant to maritime security. These include the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA Convention), which criminalizes acts that threaten the safety of ships at sea; the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (Montreal Convention), which provides a legal framework for the suppression of acts of violence against civil aviation; and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), which aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms

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